Fake Attorney Arrested, Investigators Searching for More Victims

SAN BERNARDINO: The Consumer Protection Unit of the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office filed 12 counts of grand theft and 9 counts of the unauthorized practice of law against 76-year-old Joseph Robert Lopez, Sr., of Walnut Park (pictured above).

The charges are pending in the Rancho Cucamonga Superior Court. Lopez was arrested on Feb. 27, 2014, and is currently in custody with bail set at $360,000.

The charges stem from an investigation conducted by district attorney investigators showing that Lopez presented himself as an attorney who could help individuals with bankruptcies, family law matters, immigration matters and civil and criminal representation.

According to investigators, Lopez took money for these services which he could not deliver. Lopez is not, and never has been a licensed attorney.

Further investigation revealed that Lopez specifically targeted Spanish-speaking individuals as his victims. Investigators believe that his fraudulent activities have occurred in San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Orange and Riverside counties.

A bail hearing is scheduled for March 24, 2014 in Rancho Cucamonga Superior Court.

Individuals who believe they have been victimized by Joseph Robert Lopez, Sr. should contact the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Consumer Protection unit at (909) 891-3330.